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The jurisdiction of a patriarch; patriarchship. Brerewood.

See Perch.

A government in the hands of five persons; five joint rulers. P. Fletcher. "The pentarchy of the senses." A. Brewer.

The outer, hardened integument which covers most hydroids.

The chief of a phyle, or tribe.

The office of a phylarch; government of a class or tribe.

Plutocracy; the rule of wealth. [R.]

See Polyarchy.

In Athens, originally, the military commanderin-chief; but, afterward, a civil magistrate who had jurisdiction in respect of strangers and sojourners. In other Grecian cities, a high military and civil officer.

One who advocates polyarchy; -- opposed to monarchist. Cudworth.

A government by many persons, of whatever order or class. Cudworth.

Beginning; predisposing; exciting; initial. [Obs.]

To search again; to examine anew.

Diligent inquiry or examination in seeking facts or principles; laborius or continued search after truth; as, researches of human wisdom. The dearest interests of parties have frequently been staked on the results of the researches of antiquaries. Macaulay.

One who researches.

Making researches; inquisitive. [R.] Coleridge.

mark uttered with some degree of scorn or contempt; a taunt; a gibe; a cutting jest. The sarcasms of those critics who imagine our art to be a matter of inspiration. Sir J. Reynolds.

Sarcastic. [Obs.] "Sarcasmous scandal." Hubidras.

Expressing, or expressed by, sarcasm; characterized by, or of the nature of, sarcasm; given to the use of sarcasm; bitterly satirical; scornfully severe; taunting. What a fierce and sarcastic reprehension would this have drawn from the friendship of the world! South.

In a sarcastic manner.